The community development assistant in Kenya: a study of the administration of personnel and rural development

The paper focuses on a particular organisation concerned with rural development - the community Development Division of the Department of Social Services. In particular, attention is paid to the position occupied by the 'grass-roots' workers in this organisation- the community Development Assistants (CDAs). The history of the organisation is briefly outlined. This is followed by an analysis of the factors within the organisation which tend to produce fragmentation and, conversely, integration. It is argued that the tendencies towards fragmentation are strong; and those which might make for a more integrated organisation are not as effective as they might be. The consequence of this is that the organisation finds itself placed in an insecure position. The self-help movement in Kenya is likely to be weakened as a result.